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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Capellan" data-source="post: 511392" data-attributes="member: 6294">"Unearthing the Past" by Jesse Decker (WotC Cliffhanger) - Part 14"She's okay." Briar has moved quickly to the monk's side. "Unconscious, but stable.  We'll need to get her back to town to heal her, though."The group quickly makes Ming Li comfortable - not that she is in a position to know - and turns its attention back to the sarcophagus.  Despite the blast of lightning, the lid has still moved by no more than an inch.Ulfgar rather gingerly touches the stone.  Nothing happens.  He glances at the others,"Is it safe?"Twinkle examines the lid."I can't see any other traps." She says at last, "I think you've triggered the only one, already.""Are you sure?""No."Ulfgar sucks his breath between his teeth, then shrugs."Nothing to do but try it." he reasons.It's hardly the world's most convincing - or even logical - argument, but the group nonetheless goes along with it, forcing open the sarcophagus lid so that they can peer inside.Within, they find the almost mummified corpse of a dwarven warrior, skin stretched tight and leathery over brittle old bones.  Most of the ancient dwarf's belongings have similarly succumbed to the passage of time, but a few have survived intact: a golden band on the corpse's left arm, and two oilskin-wrapped bundles.  The first of these is quite small, the second larger.It is the second bundle that Ulfgar tears open first, displaying an eagerness that surprises his companions.  They understand why once they oilskin falls away: an exquisitely crafted dwarven waraze is revealed  The weapon's quality - far superior to Ulfgar's own blade - is clear to all."Crossbow bolts." Macwood reports from where he has been unwrapping the other package. "No way to be sure until we get them back to town, but given that even the shafts are intact, I'd say they are almost certainly magical."Briar silently removes the golden armband from the corpse, doing his best not to touch the lifless remains as he does so.With their spoils in hand - and full of plans to return for the many suits of armour and weapons they can salvage from the dead orcs - the group makes a rough litter for Ming Li, and prepares to leave.  Before they do, however, Ulfgar stops to say a few words over the dwarf in the tomb."Sleep on, brother." He brandishes his new axe, "And sleep well, knowing that your blade will slay more orcs."  Ulfgar pauses, looking for the right words, "I will return to restore your tomb.  Forgive me for disturbing your rest."His promises made, the dwarf turns back to his colleagues and helps take the burden of Ming Li's unconscious form.Slowly, the groups makes it way back to town, finding the place in a buzz over the Harvest Feast, to be held that night.  Word has already got around of the group's involvement in retrieving the needed supplies to make the feast a success, and they find themselves being greeted and thanked by many of the people they pass on their way to the Sanctuary.Upon their arrival, they once again meet the young elven priest Sirdros, and quickly arrange to have Ming Li restored to consciousness.  The Priests - as pleased as everyone else by the prospect of a successful feast - provide the healing for free once more, which is a relief for the group's over-stressed belt pouches.Visiting Gendrew once more, the adventurers take advantage of his gratitude to cajole him into loaning them his wagon.  They then travel back to the tunnels to retrieve the many suits of scale mail and the numerous greataxes employed by the orcs they slew."There are often recruiters for guard companies at the Feast." Twinkle promises, "My uncle can introduce us to them.  They'll be sure to want all this armour.""Who is your uncle?" asks the newly conscious Ming Li."His name's Tallyhoop." Twinkle doesn't notice the look exchanged by the monk and Ulfgar, "He's an alchemist and apothecary.  He sells them healing salves and stuff like that.""Yes ... we've met him." Ming Li is clearly having visions of exploding porridge. "He seemed an interesting fellow.  I'm not sure how he feels about you, right now, though."Twinkle airily waves a hand,"Everybody loves me.  Besides, I played a trick on him a few days ago, and he's always in a good mood when he's plotting revenge."The gnome seems oblivious to the bizarre logic of her remarks, but as the day continues, it seems that she is correct: Tallyhoop willingly helps the adventurers locate a buyer, and even intercedes in the negotiations to help push the price a little higher.Feeling much more wealthy, and hailed as heroes of the town, the five adventurers thoroughly enjoy the feast, though Twinkle is disappointed to see people thoroughly enjoying the cookies she tried to sabotage.Midway through the evening, Tallyhoop stops by the adventurers' table.  The gnomish alchemist has a large wine cup in hand, and has apparently drunk several such draughts already."Congratulations!" he waves his ands, causing the contents of his cup to slosh alarmingly, "The feast is a great success thanks to you!"  He toasts them all as he speaks, then somehow trips over his own feet, spilling the entire contents of the cup over Twinkle's shirt.  "Oops.  Sorry."Watching the older gnome stumble off, Twinkle shakes her head indulgently."Poor uncle.  Is that the best he could do?  Wine on my shirt!  He must be slipping.""He must." Ming Li agrees, poker-faced.  Ulfgar takes a deep swig of ale, not meeting the young gnome's eyes.It is at least half an hour before Twinkle realises two important facts: that which looks like wine sometimes isn't, and that certain alchemical compounds will turn your shirt transparent."Tallyhoooooooooooooooooooooop!"</blockquote>

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